Erhu player Zhang Ning (front) from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater and his students perform in the Colegio Peruano Chino Juan XXIII school in Lima, Peru, in July. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) player Li Ting embarked on a trip to Lima, capital of Peru, in September. After a flight of around 30 hours, she arrived at her destination: the Colegio Peruano Chino Juan XXIII school.
All these three months, she has been teaching students how to play the traditional Chinese musical instrument.
Often referred to as the "Chinese violin", the erhu has a history spanning more than a thousand years. Known for its expressive sound, the instrument is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, making it a staple in Chinese folk and classical music. Traditionally made from a wooden body and snake skin, its haunting melodies often evoke themes of nature, love and longing.
Li is a member of the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, who, in a vibrant exchange of cultures, is among the Chinese erhu players of the company accepting the mission of introducing the traditional instrument to students in Peru. She is among the third group of artists of the company taking on this initiative which not only fosters an appreciation for Chinese traditional art but also creates a unique blend of cultural understanding and artistic expression.
"As a performer, I toured South America with the company. As a teacher, it's a first-time experience for me, which is exciting and fresh," says Li.
"The students work very hard to learn the instrument and many of them started from zero, which is a very challenging and rewarding experience for them," she says. "Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express a newfound respect for Chinese music and a desire to explore further. The connection established through the shared language of music transcends cultural barriers, creating friendships and understanding among participants."
Dou Shibin, an erhu player from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, instructs his students at the school in Peru. [Photo provided to China Daily]
The program, starting early this year, emphasizes not only technical skills but also the cultural significance of the erhu, Li adds. Students learn traditional Chinese music pieces alongside contemporary adaptations, allowing them to connect with the music on multiple levels.
On Sept 15, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li and students of the Colegio Peruano Chino Juan XXIII played the erhu together at the embassy of China in Lima. Joint performances showcased a fusion of musical styles, blending traditional Chinese melodies with Peruvian rhythms.
Li says that thanks to the erhu courses offered by other musicians of the company, the students have made progress and are capable of playing many music pieces.
Erhu players Dou Shibin and Zhang Ning are also among the members of the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, who gave the erhu training to students in Peru. They have established workshops and classes aimed at both beginners and those with some musical experience. They also taught music teachers of the school to play the erhu, which, as they say, will establish teaching of the instrument when they leave Peru.
"Students in Peru come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own musical influences and experiences to the learning process. The erhu classes have attracted many young students, reflecting a broad curiosity about Chinese culture," says Dou, who taught the erhu in Peru early this year.
Li Ting, an erhu player from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, instructs her students at the school in Peru. [Photo provided to China Daily]
"The teaching method often incorporates storytelling, where the Chinese instructors share tales about the origins of the erhu and its role in traditional Chinese music. This context enriches the learning experience, helping students appreciate the instrument beyond mere technicality," he says.
Dou also notes that the school founded in 1962 has a deep connection with China and Chinese culture, from language and dance to martial arts, which are also taught in the school.
In July, 21 students and teachers of Colegio Peruano Chino Juan XXIII came to China, led by Zhang, who spent three months in Peru teaching them to play the instrument from May to July.
"They came to Beijing to experience Chinese culture and most importantly, showcase their erhu skills by playing traditional Chinese music pieces. Through the sounds of the erhu, students are not only discovering a new instrument but also bridging the gap between two rich musical traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's cultures," says Zhang.
